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Basics

D. Joanne Lynn, MD


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Wilson's disease (WD) is an inherited disorder of copper metabolism with a wide spectrum of system involvement (also known as hepatolenticular degeneration). CNS manifestations include dystonia and psychiatric symptomatology. Other organs prominently affected include the liver and kidneys.

EPIDEMIOLOGY

Incidence

Estimates of prevalence vary widely (10–30 per million), with a heterozygous carrier rate of 1 in 90.

Prevalence

The average worldwide prevalence has been estimated to be 30 per million.

RISK FACTORS

Genetics

WD is inherited as an autosomal recessive disease due to the mutation of the ATPase ATP7B gene on chromosome 13. The risk of WD is 40% in a sibling of an index case and 0.5% in a child of an index patient.

GENERAL PREVENTION

Since this is a rare disorder, prevention efforts focus on identification of affected family members and prevention of organ injury once an index patient is identified.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

The ATP7B gene codes for a metal-transporting P-type ATPase which is primarily expressed on hepatocytes. It functions in the transmembrane transport of copper within hepatocytes. In WD, decreased ATP7B protein leads to decreased transport of copper into the bile and resultant hepatic copper accumulation and injury. Decreased ATP7B protein function is also associated with decreased incorporation of copper into ceruloplasmin (protein synthesized by liver which is the major carrier of copper in the blood). Copper eventually spills into the bloodstream and is abnormally deposited into various organs including brain, kidney, and cornea, causing tissue damage.

ETIOLOGY

Genetic – autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations of the ATP7B gene on chromosome 13.

COMMONLY ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS

Diagnosis

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

Pediatric Considerations

Many children are without symptoms but hepatic enlargement or elevated serum transaminases may be found incidentally. Early subtle findings in pediatric patients may include behavioral changes, deterioration in school performance, or poor hand–eye coordination.

PHYSICAL EXAM

The classic triad of WD is cirrhosis, neurologic manifestations, and Kayser–Fleischer (KF) pigmented corneal rings but the majority of patients with WD do not have all of these presenting conditions. Common neurologic findings include tremor, motor incoordination, dysarthria, dystonia, and spasticity. Dysautonomia and pseudobulbar palsy with dysphagia may be present. Psychiatric manifestations may include depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Seizures are rare.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS AND INTERPRETATION

Lab

Initial Lab Tests

Follow-Up & Special Considerations

Interpretation of many laboratory tests for WD can be obscured by other conditions.

Imaging

Brain MRI frequently shows hyperintensity of the basal ganglia on T2 imaging. Other abnormal findings may include abnormal signal of the gray and white matter, cerebellar hemispheres, and the dorsal and central regions of the pons. Generalized and focal atrophy and ventricular dilation may also be present.

Initial Approach

MRI should be obtained in all patients with neurologic WD prior to initiation of treatment.

Follow-Up & Special Considerations

The diagnosis of WD in patients who present with hepatic disease is more complex. Because no single test establishes the diagnosis, a combination of laboratory features is required to firmly establish the diagnosis.

Diagnostic Procedures/Other

Pathological Findings

The lenticular nuclei of the brain grossly appear brown due to copper deposition. Early pathology includes astrocytic proliferation. Necrosis, gliosis, and cystic changes later develop in the thalamus, brainstem, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex. The KF ring is caused by copper deposition in Descemet's membrane.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

Treatment

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

First Line

Second Line

ADDITIONAL TREATMENT

General Measures

Patients are initially treated with decoppering agents, zinc, and dietary restriction. After several years of therapy, stable patients may be treated with lower maintenance doses of a chelating agent or zinc alone.

Issues for Referral

Individual multidisciplinary specialty approaches are needed to improve quality and longevity of patients. Dietary counseling is necessary. Various specialist referrals may be required dependent upon disease manifestations (neurologist, hepatologist, hematologist, etc.).

Additional Therapies

Serum and hepatic vitamin E levels are often low in WD. Symptomatic improvement has been reported with supplemental vitamin E but no rigorous studies are available.

SURGERY/OTHER PROCEDURES

Orthoptic hepatic transplantation is recommended for patients with progressive liver failure unresponsive to chelation therapy or acute liver failure due to fulminant hepatitis. Hepatic transplantation results in improvement of neuropsychiatric symptoms.

IN-PATIENT CONSIDERATIONS

Initial Stabilization

Patients who present with acute inflammatory hepatic or neurologic disease or one of the other potential organ involvements of WD may require hospitalization.

Admission Criteria

Admission is required if symptoms are life-threatening (e.g., hepatic failure) or if hydration, mobility, or nutrition is compromised.

Ongoing Care

ONGOING-CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

Blood counts and urinalysis should be followed closely during penicillamine therapy because hypersensitivity reactions are not uncommon. Copper concentrations in 24-hour urine collections can be used to guide titration of therapy. A 24-hour cupriuresis may exceed 1,000 µg immediately after starting treatment; during maintenance treatment, urinary copper excretion should be around 200–500 µg/day.

DIET

Dietary copper restriction is not recommended as the primary therapy but is an important component of disease management. Foods with high copper content, such as shellfish, nuts, chocolate, mushrooms, and organ meats, should be avoided. Water in households with copper content should be assessed for copper content and copper containers/cookware should not be used for food.

PATIENT EDUCATION

PROGNOSIS

Symptomatic WD patients require chronic lifelong therapy. Interrupted or inadequate therapy may lead to death, most often due to hepatic failure. If treatment is begun in a timely fashion, most patients will become asymptomatic or nearly so. Residual dystonia and dysarthria are often seen in neurologic cases. Long-term follow-up and monitoring is required to ensure adequate treatment.

COMPLICATIONS

Additional Reading

Codes

CODES

ICD9

275.1 Disorders of copper metabolism

Clinical Pearls

First-degree relatives of an index patient with WD should be screened for WD. No single laboratory assessment is sufficient. Mutation analysis is the only reliable screening tool. Disease symptoms may be prevented in presymptomatic patients identified through family screening by treatment with chelating agents and/or zinc.